Banking Pictures

Banks do much more than just hold (and repurpose) the money you give them. From mobile banking to international banks to bank alternatives, get a glimpse into the world of banking in our image gallery.

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Most of us start out with a piggy bank as children, but our financial needs as adults usually require a more sophisticated type of banking.

At a bank, you can discuss your financial situation with an expert and choose the type of account that's best for you. See a typical counter transaction in the next photo.

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The traditional counter transaction has grown less common as a variety of banking conveniences have become available in recent years. See one of the most popular ways to get cash when you need it, next.

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ATM and debit cards let bank customers quickly and easily draw from the available funds in their account. Next, see an ATM kiosk.

Drive-up and walk-up ATM kiosks let you swipe your card, enter a PIN number and leave with cash. See another popular feature of bank accounts in the next image.

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Many banks and credit unions offer free checking services as a membership perk. But if check-writing is too tedious for you, see another way to pay your bills next.

Photographer: Dusko Miljanic | Agency: Dreamstime

To eliminate paper pile-ups, many bank customers sign up for online banking. With online banking, paying bills and balancing your accounts is as easy as checking your email.

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Some online banks, like E*Trade Financial, allow you to link your bank accounts to your investment accounts. Next, see what happens when a bank is in danger of failing.

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A customer stands outside a branch of Superior Bank in Illinois in 2001. The Office of Thrift Supervision closed the bank because it was in danger of failing, and the FDIC took over operations. See a banking option widely considered to be secure, next.